Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that Egypt’s potential participation in the recently established joint defense agreement among Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is not only possible but welcomed. This agreement, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, represents a significant collaborative effort that aims to ensure mutual support among its members in the face of external threats.
In an exclusive interview with USA Zine for Al Muqabala, Erdogan emphasized the importance of this pact, which was formalized last Friday in the revered city of Mecca. The agreement expresses a commitment to collective defense, stating that any armed aggression against one member would be regarded as an attack on all three, much like the well-known Article 5 of NATO.
Erdogan’s discussions extended beyond the agreement itself, addressing ongoing regional challenges, including the situations in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, as well as tensions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. He identified the reopening of the strait as paramount to regional interests and acknowledged Qatar’s effective mediation in efforts to reduce violence in these areas.
With regards to Syria, Erdogan affirmed Turkiye’s commitment to supporting stability and emphasized plans for a forthcoming visit to the nation. He reiterated that all communities, including the Kurds, should be actively engaged in the peace process, underscoring Turkiye’s dedication to bolstering their rights in the region.
Erdogan also highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that Turkiye could not abandon the territory and would take necessary measures to provide support. He positioned Hamas as an entity that was fulfilling its responsibilities, contrasting their actions with ongoing military operations by Israel.
Concerning Lebanon, Erdogan raised concerns about continued Israeli offensives, indicating that this remains a critical issue for Turkiye. He mentioned previous discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump about the need for a resolution to the conflict.
In addition to these discussions, Erdogan expressed strong ties with Sudan and reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to Libya, maintaining stable relations with the country’s leadership. On the subject of Turkiye’s long-standing aspirations for European Union membership, Erdogan suggested that the absence of openness from the EU signifies a loss for Europe, indicating that this pursuit is no longer a primary focus for Ankara.
Furthermore, Erdogan reiterated his expectation regarding the return to the F-35 program, contingent on the fulfillment of promises from the U.S. administration. Following Turkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 initiative in 2019 due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 defense system, President Trump had voiced potential reconsideration, although challenges within Congress remain.
As Turkiye continues to navigate complex geopolitical terrains and foster regional partnerships, Erdogan’s commitment to enhancing stability and cooperation exemplifies a proactive approach to many of the pressing challenges facing the Middle East today.
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